HC Deb 18 April 1950 vol 474 cc25-6
60. Major Beamish

asked the Secretary of State for War how many single other ranks are living in tents in the Canal Zone; and what percentage this is of the total other ranks strength in that area.

Mr. Strachey

I have called for this information and will circulate an answer in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Major Beamish

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why it takes so long to get this information? Have the wireless and telephone broken down? Is not this information readily available as soon as he asks for it?

Mr. Strachey

The hon. Gentleman's Question appeared on the Order Paper only on Saturday, and I do not think it an unreasonable delay.

61. Major Beamish

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to state how many married officers or other ranks in the Canal Zone who wish for a married quarter have not been allotted one; and what is the average time that these families have been waiting for a quarter.

Mr. Strachey

There are 470 officers and 993 other ranks in the Canal Zone who wish for a married quarter and have not yet been allotted one. The average time that these families have been waiting is rather more than a year. We are providing at least 300 more temporary married quarters in the Canal Zone during this financial year.